ILR 10 years with excess 548 days

Hi, I am planning to apply for 10 years ILR in September 2024. I entered the UK in September 2013 and was technically eligible to apply in 09/2023. However, since most of my residence in the UK was under a student visa, I have accumulated a lot of absences due to academic holidays. I then decided to delay my ILR so I can get some days back.

The new guidance showed up in April 2024 and was extremely happy. I was about to apply for ILR, but HO “clarified their mistake” a week before I can click send, now I’m back to square one and it feels like I missed my chance.

I am still planning to apply this year with 640 days and hope for a caseworker with some empathy. As a student I was NOT allowed to work outside of term time, therefore had no reason to stay in the UK, also not allowed to take on short courses outside of my uni. Rent was fully paid, bills were paid. Even by being away I was paying approx minimum £2k per month without even being here, I was obviously coming back.

I’m looking for any other cases that had over 548days (without considering Covid or family emergencies) that had successful results 🙏🏽

I am so hopeless with this process, I am currently on a Skilled Worker, but the sponsorship is really slowing down my career. Changing jobs is challenging due to sponsors, I can’t go part time and start my own business while on SW. To be eligible under 548days I have to wait until 2026, and will need to renew SW with my current employer (underpaid and overqualified)

Any tips/recommendations is more than welcome :)